British Prime Minister Boris Johnson faced a call to resign on Monday after claims he dismissed the prospect of thousands dying from Covid, as a row over government "sleaze" escalated.

In a front-page headline, the Daily Mail newspaper reported Johnson had said he would rather see "bodies pile high in their thousands" than impose a third coronavirus lockdown.

Ultimately, Johnson did order a new round of restrictions in January.

But he is now locked in a damaging war of words with his former top aide Dominic Cummings over his coronavirus policies last year and financial dealings.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said the Daily Mail report, based on unnamed sources, was "not true" and had been "categorically denied by practically everyone".

"None of this is serious. The prime minister has been utterly focused on delivering, alongside Cabinet colleagues, the response to Covid," he told Sky News.

The main opposition Labour party wants an urgent inquiry into Cummings' claims made in an explosive blog post.&nbsp;

"We cannot go on like this day after day with the drip, drip, drip of allegations," said Labour leader Keir Starmer.&nbsp;

"We need to get to the bottom of it because I think for a lot of people, this is beginning to feel very strongly like one rule for them and another rule for everybody else."

But the Scottish National Party (SNP)'s leader in the UK parliament, Ian Blackford, went further, demanding Johnson step down if his comments are confirmed.

"These comments are utterly abhorrent. If they are true, @BorisJohnson has a duty to resign," he tweeted.

"The Prime Minister must now come to Parliament to give a statement, and face questioning on these shocking claims and the growing Tory sleaze scandal engulfing Westminster."&nbsp;

Johnson has faced sharp criticism over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic. In Britain, one of the countries worst hit in the world by the disease, more than 127,000 people have died from Covid.

But increasingly the prime minister is facing questions over his wider judgement and integrity, following weeks of stories about alleged inappropriate lobbying and special favours.

Cummings, the strategist behind the 2016 campaign for Britain to leave the European Union, quit Downing Street in December under a cloud of acrimony.

The former senior adviser wrote on his personal blog on Friday that Johnson had sought to use potentially illegal donations to renovate his publicly funded Downing Street accommodation.

Cummings also wrote that Johnson had raised the prospect of blocking an internal inquiry into leaks because they could implicate a close friend of his fiancee Carrie Symonds.

Simon Case, Britain's most senior civil servant, is to be questioned by lawmakers later on Monday over the allegations against Johnson, his ministers and officials, which Downing Street have dismissed as false.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson faced a call to resign on Monday after claims he dismissed the prospect of thousands dying from Covid, as a row over government "sleaze" escalated.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson faced a call to resign on Monday after claims he dismissed the prospect of thousands dying from Covid, as a row over government "sleaze" escalated. In a front-page headline, the Daily Mail newspaper reported Johnson had said he would rather see "bodies pile high in their thousands" than impose a third coronavirus lockdown. Ultimately, Johnson did order a new round of restrictions in January. But he is now locked in a damaging war of words with his former top aide Dominic Cummings over his coronavirus policies last year and financial dealings. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said the Daily Mail report, based on unnamed sources, was "not true" and had been "categorically denied by practically everyone". "None of this is serious. The prime minister has been utterly focused on delivering, alongside Cabinet colleagues, the response to Covid," he told Sky News. The main opposition Labour party wants an urgent inquiry into Cummings' claims made in an explosive blog post. "We cannot go on like this day after day with the drip, drip, drip of allegations," said Labour leader Keir Starmer. "We need to get to the bottom of it because I think for a lot of people, this is beginning to feel very strongly like one rule for them and another rule for everybody else." But the Scottish National Party (SNP)'s leader in the UK parliament, Ian Blackford, went further, demanding Johnson step down if his comments are confirmed. "These comments are utterly abhorrent. If they are true, @BorisJohnson has a duty to resign," he tweeted. "The Prime Minister must now come to Parliament to give a statement, and face questioning on these shocking claims and the growing Tory sleaze scandal engulfing Westminster." Johnson has faced sharp criticism over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic. In Britain, one of the countries worst hit in the world by the disease, more than 127,000 people have died from Covid. But increasingly the prime minister is facing questions over his wider judgement and integrity, following weeks of stories about alleged inappropriate lobbying and special favours. Cummings, the strategist behind the 2016 campaign for Britain to leave the European Union, quit Downing Street in December under a cloud of acrimony. The former senior adviser wrote on his personal blog on Friday that Johnson had sought to use potentially illegal donations to renovate his publicly funded Downing Street accommodation. Cummings also wrote that Johnson had raised the prospect of blocking an internal inquiry into leaks because they could implicate a close friend of his fiancee Carrie Symonds. Simon Case, Britain's most senior civil servant, is to be questioned by lawmakers later on Monday over the allegations against Johnson, his ministers and officials, which Downing Street have dismissed as false.

UK PM under pressure over 'let bodies pile high' comment

UK has sent life-saving medical equipment to India including ventilators and oxygen concentrators as the country reels from record numbers of daily COVID-19 infections and deaths. This is the first shipment of urgent delivery from the country.

UK, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Russia extends help as India battles second wave of Covid

The Indian High Commission on Saturday issued an open appeal through social media for help to meet the rising demand for oxygen and medical supplies in India's devastating second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

It listed the required items as refillable oxygen cylinders, concentrators and the drug Remdesivir, used to treat severe COVID-19 cases. India has recorded nearly a million infections in three days, with 346,786 new cases on Saturday.&nbsp;

"@HCILondon thanks all who have come forward to help in COVID19 situation. India needs: (i) Empty, refillable Oxygen cylinders with 10 litres and 45 litres LMO (liquid medical oxygen) capacity (ii) Oxygen concentrators (iii) in situ Oxygen manufacturing plants for hospitals &amp; (iv) Remdesivir," reads the appeal on Twitter.&nbsp;

It comes as several diaspora organisations have also been coordinating efforts to provide assistance and support, amid news of oxygen supply shortages at hospitals in New Delhi and other regions.&nbsp;

"The Indian diaspora has huge confidence in Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi and stand ready to help the government of India in any form they need," said Kuldeep Shekhawat, President of the Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP) diaspora group, which held a virtual meeting to consider a donation drive for the Prime Minister's Relief Fund if required.&nbsp;

On Friday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the UK is looking at ways to help and support India through the crisis.&nbsp;

"We're looking at what we can do to help and support the people of India, possibly with ventilators," he told reporters when asked about the pandemic crisis in India on the local election campaign trail.&nbsp;

"Thanks to the ventilator challenge, the huge efforts of British manufacturers, we're better able now to deliver ventilators to other countries. But also possibly with therapeutics, dexamethasone, other things, we'll look at what we can do to help," he said.&nbsp;

The Indian High Commission on Saturday issued an open appeal through social media for help to meet the rising demand for oxygen and medical supplies in India's devastating second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Indian High Commission on Saturday issued an open appeal through social media for help to meet the rising demand for oxygen and medical supplies in India's devastating second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. It listed the required items as refillable oxygen cylinders, concentrators and the drug Remdesivir, used to treat severe COVID-19 cases. India has recorded nearly a million infections in three days, with 346,786 new cases on Saturday. "@HCILondon thanks all who have come forward to help in COVID19 situation. India needs: (i) Empty, refillable Oxygen cylinders with 10 litres and 45 litres LMO (liquid medical oxygen) capacity (ii) Oxygen concentrators (iii) in situ Oxygen manufacturing plants for hospitals & (iv) Remdesivir," reads the appeal on Twitter. It comes as several diaspora organisations have also been coordinating efforts to provide assistance and support, amid news of oxygen supply shortages at hospitals in New Delhi and other regions. "The Indian diaspora has huge confidence in Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi and stand ready to help the government of India in any form they need," said Kuldeep Shekhawat, President of the Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP) diaspora group, which held a virtual meeting to consider a donation drive for the Prime Minister's Relief Fund if required. On Friday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the UK is looking at ways to help and support India through the crisis. "We're looking at what we can do to help and support the people of India, possibly with ventilators," he told reporters when asked about the pandemic crisis in India on the local election campaign trail. "Thanks to the ventilator challenge, the huge efforts of British manufacturers, we're better able now to deliver ventilators to other countries. But also possibly with therapeutics, dexamethasone, other things, we'll look at what we can do to help," he said.

Indian High Commission in UK appeals for oxygen, medical supplies  

EU, US, Denmark have extended support to India with UK sending more than 600 pieces of vital medical equipment to deal with the surging covid cases. The 600 pieces include ventilators and oxygen concentrator devices sent from the UK today and will be arriving in India early on Tuesday morning.&nbsp;

“We stand side by side with India" UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, "as a friend and partner during what is a deeply concerning time in the fight against Covid-19", adding, “Vital medical equipment, including hundreds of oxygen concentrators and ventilators, is now on its way from the UK to India to support efforts to prevent the tragic loss of life from this terrible virus."&nbsp;

In all, UK will send nine airline container loads of supplies, including 495 oxygen concentrators, that can extract Oxygen from the air, 120 non-invasive ventilators, and 20 manual ventilators this week.&nbsp;

UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said, “We are supporting our Indian friends with vital medical equipment at a difficult time for them in this pandemic". &nbsp;

India has reported over three lakh Covid cases in the last few days, with cities like Delhi and Mumbai badly impacted. Several hospitals in the national capital have been sending SOS as oxygen supplies deplete putting the lives of patients in danger. &nbsp;

Earlier in the day, the European Union announced that it is activating its 'civil protection mechanism' to provide assistance to India like Oxygen and medicine. "Upon request for assistance by India", Janez Lenarčič European Commissioner for Crisis Management said," We have activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (ERCC). The EU will do its utmost to mobilise assistance to support people of India". &nbsp;

President of the European commission Ursula von der Leyen seconded that tweeting, "The EU is pooling resources to respond rapidly to India’s request for assistance via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. We stand in full solidarity with the Indian people."&nbsp;

Other countries in Europe like Denmark, France, Germany are also extending support. Denmark's envoy to Delhi Freddy Svane tells WION, "We are working closely with MEA to assist India with whatever is required. That’s what friends are about”.&nbsp;

Chancellor Angela Merkel on Sunday announced that her country is preparing urgent support for India to deal with the ongoing Covid pandemic. She said, "To the people of India, I want to express my sympathy on the terrible suffering that COVID-19 has again brought over your communities. Germany stands in solidarity with India and is urgently preparing a mission of support."&nbsp;

Armed Forces Medical Services or AFMS will be importing 23 mobile oxygen generation plants from Germany. These plants will be deployed in AFMS hospitals catering to Covid patients. From Germany, containers are also being imported. &nbsp;

After much criticism over not allowing the import of raw material for manufacturing of covid vaccines in India, top officials of the US Govt also extended support to India. US secretary of state Antony Blinken in a tweet-statement said, "Our hearts go out to the Indian people in the midst of the horrific COVID-19 outbreak. We are working closely with our partners in the Indian government, and we will rapidly deploy additional support to the people of India and India's healthcare heroes." &nbsp;

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, in a near-simultaneous tweet, said, "The US is deeply concerned by the severe COVID outbreak in India. We are working around the clock to deploy more supplies and support to our friends and partners in India as they bravely battle this pandemic. More very soon."&nbsp;

US is expected to announce its support to India soon, though a big focus remains on when it lifts a ban on the export of covid vaccine raw material. India is the largest producer of vaccines globally, but manufacturing is being hampered due to the lack of raw material. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, India's neighbours, Afghanistan and Iran, have also extended support to New Delhi. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, foreign minister Atmar and envoy to India Farid Mamundzay all tweeted and showed solidarity for India. Afghan President said, "Our hearts go out to the Indian people and government as they fight the horrendous outbreak of Covid. On behalf of the Afghan people and government, we send our condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and wish a quick recovery to those who are suffering from the virus."&nbsp;

Iran's health minister Dr Saeed Namaki in a letter to India's health minister Dr Harsh Vardhan extended support, saying, "The government and people of Iran are ready to spare no technical assistance, expertise and equipment in these difficult days and at the height of the plight of the dear citizens of India with the COVID-19 epidemic."&nbsp;

A whole host of countries have extended solidarity with India. These are China, Pakistan, Bhutan, Solvenia, Australia, Canada, Mexico, Singapore. So far, India has been able to get four tankers from Singapore and liquid Oxygen from Saudi Arabia. More medicines from Singapore will arrive tonight.&nbsp;

EU, US, Denmark have extended support to India with UK sending more than 600 pieces of vital medical equipment to deal with the surging covid cases. The 600 pieces include ventilators and oxygen concentrator devices sent from the UK today and will be arriving in India early on Tuesday morning.

EU, US, Denmark have extended support to India with UK sending more than 600 pieces of vital medical equipment to deal with the surging covid cases. The 600 pieces include ventilators and oxygen concentrator devices sent from the UK today and will be arriving in India early on Tuesday morning. “We stand side by side with India" UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, "as a friend and partner during what is a deeply concerning time in the fight against Covid-19", adding, “Vital medical equipment, including hundreds of oxygen concentrators and ventilators, is now on its way from the UK to India to support efforts to prevent the tragic loss of life from this terrible virus." In all, UK will send nine airline container loads of supplies, including 495 oxygen concentrators, that can extract Oxygen from the air, 120 non-invasive ventilators, and 20 manual ventilators this week. UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said, “We are supporting our Indian friends with vital medical equipment at a difficult time for them in this pandemic". India has reported over three lakh Covid cases in the last few days, with cities like Delhi and Mumbai badly impacted. Several hospitals in the national capital have been sending SOS as oxygen supplies deplete putting the lives of patients in danger. Earlier in the day, the European Union announced that it is activating its 'civil protection mechanism' to provide assistance to India like Oxygen and medicine. "Upon request for assistance by India", Janez Lenarčič European Commissioner for Crisis Management said," We have activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (ERCC). The EU will do its utmost to mobilise assistance to support people of India". President of the European commission Ursula von der Leyen seconded that tweeting, "The EU is pooling resources to respond rapidly to India’s request for assistance via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. We stand in full solidarity with the Indian people." Other countries in Europe like Denmark, France, Germany are also extending support. Denmark's envoy to Delhi Freddy Svane tells WION, "We are working closely with MEA to assist India with whatever is required. That’s what friends are about”. Chancellor Angela Merkel on Sunday announced that her country is preparing urgent support for India to deal with the ongoing Covid pandemic. She said, "To the people of India, I want to express my sympathy on the terrible suffering that COVID-19 has again brought over your communities. Germany stands in solidarity with India and is urgently preparing a mission of support." Armed Forces Medical Services or AFMS will be importing 23 mobile oxygen generation plants from Germany. These plants will be deployed in AFMS hospitals catering to Covid patients. From Germany, containers are also being imported. After much criticism over not allowing the import of raw material for manufacturing of covid vaccines in India, top officials of the US Govt also extended support to India. US secretary of state Antony Blinken in a tweet-statement said, "Our hearts go out to the Indian people in the midst of the horrific COVID-19 outbreak. We are working closely with our partners in the Indian government, and we will rapidly deploy additional support to the people of India and India's healthcare heroes." US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, in a near-simultaneous tweet, said, "The US is deeply concerned by the severe COVID outbreak in India. We are working around the clock to deploy more supplies and support to our friends and partners in India as they bravely battle this pandemic. More very soon." US is expected to announce its support to India soon, though a big focus remains on when it lifts a ban on the export of covid vaccine raw material. India is the largest producer of vaccines globally, but manufacturing is being hampered due to the lack of raw material. Meanwhile, India's neighbours, Afghanistan and Iran, have also extended support to New Delhi. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, foreign minister Atmar and envoy to India Farid Mamundzay all tweeted and showed solidarity for India. Afghan President said, "Our hearts go out to the Indian people and government as they fight the horrendous outbreak of Covid. On behalf of the Afghan people and government, we send our condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and wish a quick recovery to those who are suffering from the virus." Iran's health minister Dr Saeed Namaki in a letter to India's health minister Dr Harsh Vardhan extended support, saying, "The government and people of Iran are ready to spare no technical assistance, expertise and equipment in these difficult days and at the height of the plight of the dear citizens of India with the COVID-19 epidemic." A whole host of countries have extended solidarity with India. These are China, Pakistan, Bhutan, Solvenia, Australia, Canada, Mexico, Singapore. So far, India has been able to get four tankers from Singapore and liquid Oxygen from Saudi Arabia. More medicines from Singapore will arrive tonight.

Covid Crisis: EU, UK, US, Denmark pitch in to assist India 

Large-scale protests against England's remaining coronavirus resulted in injuries to eight officers and the arrest of five people, said police in London on Saturday. The demonstrators had gathered in early afternoon and marched along several major arterial roads including main shopping district Oxford Street.

Hundreds then rallied in Hyde Park later following the march, an AFP reporter said, where "small pockets of disorder" broke out, according to London's Metropolitan Police Service.

"Eight officers were injured as they worked to disperse crowds in Hyde Park this evening," it said, adding that missiles including bottles were thrown.&nbsp;

"Two officers were taken to hospital. Thankfully, they are not believed to be seriously injured.

"Five people were arrested for offences including assault on police and are now in custody." 
Britain began to gradually lift Covid-19 restrictions in March after months of restrictions and a successful mass vaccination campaign.&nbsp;

This month, pubs were allowed to serve customers outdoors and non-essentials shop were allowed to open. But a few curbs remained.

Organisers of the protest used online platforms and websites to appeal people to protest the pandemic measures.

Anti-lockdown protests by hundreds or even thousands have occurred sporadically during the pandemic, often resulting in a small number of arrests.&nbsp;

England's latest Covid-19 lockdown measures have been in place since early January, after the UK saw a surge in cases.

Months of restrictions alongside the successful vaccine rollout -- with more than 45 million doses administered -- has seen the situation improve.

Large-scale protests against England's remaining coronavirus resulted in injuries to eight officers and the arrest of five people, said police in London on Saturday.

Large-scale protests against England's remaining coronavirus resulted in injuries to eight officers and the arrest of five people, said police in London on Saturday. The demonstrators had gathered in early afternoon and marched along several major arterial roads including main shopping district Oxford Street. Hundreds then rallied in Hyde Park later following the march, an AFP reporter said, where "small pockets of disorder" broke out, according to London's Metropolitan Police Service. "Eight officers were injured as they worked to disperse crowds in Hyde Park this evening," it said, adding that missiles including bottles were thrown. "Two officers were taken to hospital. Thankfully, they are not believed to be seriously injured. "Five people were arrested for offences including assault on police and are now in custody." Britain began to gradually lift Covid-19 restrictions in March after months of restrictions and a successful mass vaccination campaign. This month, pubs were allowed to serve customers outdoors and non-essentials shop were allowed to open. But a few curbs remained. Organisers of the protest used online platforms and websites to appeal people to protest the pandemic measures. Anti-lockdown protests by hundreds or even thousands have occurred sporadically during the pandemic, often resulting in a small number of arrests. England's latest Covid-19 lockdown measures have been in place since early January, after the UK saw a surge in cases. Months of restrictions alongside the successful vaccine rollout -- with more than 45 million doses administered -- has seen the situation improve.

London: Anti-lockdown protests leads to five arrests, police injuries

Britain's opposition Labour Party on Saturday called for an independent commission on ethics and standards in government after Prime Minister Boris Johnson's former top adviser criticised the UK leader's integrity.

On Friday&nbsp;Dominic&nbsp;Cummings, who left Johnson's staff suddenly late last year having previously been his most influential adviser over Brexit and the 2019 election campaign, denied reports he leaked Johnson's private communications over the sourcing of COVID-19 ventilators.

Cummings&nbsp;also said he was not responsible for leaks over the cost of refurbishing Johnson's residence and that the prime minister and his office had fallen below acceptable standards of competence and integrity.

Johnson's office in response on Friday said the government had followed the rules over the refurbishment. The prime minister had never interfered in a government leak inquiry, his office added.

"We need some kind of independent commission into ethics and standards in government, we can't let the prime minister mark his own homework on this," Steve Reed, Labour's spokesman on communities and local government, told BBC radio.

"This was the closest ally the prime minister's got and he's telling us the prime minister's behaviour was unethical, foolish and possibly illegal," he said.

Britain's opposition Labour Party on Saturday called for an independent commission on ethics and standards in government after Prime Minister Boris Johnson's former top adviser criticised the UK leader's integrity.

Britain's opposition Labour Party on Saturday called for an independent commission on ethics and standards in government after Prime Minister Boris Johnson's former top adviser criticised the UK leader's integrity. On Friday Dominic Cummings, who left Johnson's staff suddenly late last year having previously been his most influential adviser over Brexit and the 2019 election campaign, denied reports he leaked Johnson's private communications over the sourcing of COVID-19 ventilators. Cummings also said he was not responsible for leaks over the cost of refurbishing Johnson's residence and that the prime minister and his office had fallen below acceptable standards of competence and integrity. Johnson's office in response on Friday said the government had followed the rules over the refurbishment. The prime minister had never interfered in a government leak inquiry, his office added. "We need some kind of independent commission into ethics and standards in government, we can't let the prime minister mark his own homework on this," Steve Reed, Labour's spokesman on communities and local government, told BBC radio. "This was the closest ally the prime minister's got and he's telling us the prime minister's behaviour was unethical, foolish and possibly illegal," he said.

UK opposition calls for standards commission after PM criticised by former top adviser

Britain's parliament called for the government to take action to end what lawmakers described as genocide in China's Xinjiang region. Lawmakers have also called the UK government to use international law to bring the genocide to an end.

UK parliament declares genocide in China's Xinjiang

The&nbsp;ex-wife&nbsp;of a Russian billionaire on Wednesday won a British&nbsp;court&nbsp;case&nbsp;against&nbsp;her&nbsp;son, whom she accuses of helping his father hide his assets during the&nbsp;bitter&nbsp;divorce&nbsp;battle.

The High&nbsp;Court&nbsp;of England and Wales in 2016 awarded Tatiana Akhmedova 41.5 percent of Farkhad Akhmedov's $1-billion-plus fortune.&nbsp;

But she said 65-year-old businessman Akhmedov has hidden some of his assets with the help of their 27-year-old&nbsp;son, Temur Akhmedov, and claimed she is owed around £70 million.

Temur Akhmedov asked the Family Division of the High&nbsp;Court&nbsp;in London to dismiss her claims&nbsp;against&nbsp;him, but judge Gwynneth Knowles ruled in favour of his mother.

"Today's judgment is the inevitable conclusion given Farkhad's failure to behave honourably in the first instance," London-based Tatiana Akhmedova said in a statement.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="China: Couples rush for getting divorce after new law requiring 'cooling-off' period kicks in">China: Couples rush for getting divorce after new law requiring 'cooling-off' period kicks in</a>

A spokesman for Temur Akhmedov said he had "never sought to take sides or get involved but inevitably found himself sucked into the vortex of a&nbsp;bitter&nbsp;family dispute.

"His subsequent actions were only ever motivated by his desire to end the war between his parents.

"While he fundamentally disagrees with this judgment, he would consider it a price worth paying should it lead to a reasonable settlement between the parents he both loves."

Azerbaijan-born Akhmedov became a senator in Russia after making his money in oil and gas. He featured on a 2018 US government list of Russian business and political elites.

The&nbsp;court&nbsp;was earlier told that Akhmedov had transferred a yacht and art collection into the ownership of trusts in Liechtenstein in what Akhmedova has described as a "strategy of evasion".

He bought the 115-metre (377-foot) yacht -- the MV Luna -- from the Chelsea football club owner Roman Abramovich.

In her written ruling, judge Knowles quoted the Russian novel "Anna Karenina". "All happy families are alike, each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way," she said.&nbsp;

"With apologies to Tolstoy, the Akhmedov family is one of the unhappiest ever to have appeared in my courtroom.

"Though this&nbsp;case&nbsp;concerns wealth of which most can only dream, it is -- at its core -- a straightforward&nbsp;case&nbsp;in which, following their&nbsp;divorce, a wife seeks to recover that which is owed to her from a husband and his proxies who, it is alleged, have done all they can to put monies beyond her reach."

The ex-wife of a Russian billionaire on Wednesday won a British court case against her son, whom she accuses of helping his father hide his assets during the bitter divorce battle.

The ex-wife of a Russian billionaire on Wednesday won a British court case against her son, whom she accuses of helping his father hide his assets during the bitter divorce battle. The High Court of England and Wales in 2016 awarded Tatiana Akhmedova 41.5 percent of Farkhad Akhmedov's $1-billion-plus fortune. But she said 65-year-old businessman Akhmedov has hidden some of his assets with the help of their 27-year-old son, Temur Akhmedov, and claimed she is owed around £70 million. Temur Akhmedov asked the Family Division of the High Court in London to dismiss her claims against him, but judge Gwynneth Knowles ruled in favour of his mother. "Today's judgment is the inevitable conclusion given Farkhad's failure to behave honourably in the first instance," London-based Tatiana Akhmedova said in a statement. Also Read | China: Couples rush for getting divorce after new law requiring 'cooling-off' period kicks in A spokesman for Temur Akhmedov said he had "never sought to take sides or get involved but inevitably found himself sucked into the vortex of a bitter family dispute. "His subsequent actions were only ever motivated by his desire to end the war between his parents. "While he fundamentally disagrees with this judgment, he would consider it a price worth paying should it lead to a reasonable settlement between the parents he both loves." Azerbaijan-born Akhmedov became a senator in Russia after making his money in oil and gas. He featured on a 2018 US government list of Russian business and political elites. The court was earlier told that Akhmedov had transferred a yacht and art collection into the ownership of trusts in Liechtenstein in what Akhmedova has described as a "strategy of evasion". He bought the 115-metre (377-foot) yacht -- the MV Luna -- from the Chelsea football club owner Roman Abramovich. In her written ruling, judge Knowles quoted the Russian novel "Anna Karenina". "All happy families are alike, each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way," she said. "With apologies to Tolstoy, the Akhmedov family is one of the unhappiest ever to have appeared in my courtroom. "Though this case concerns wealth of which most can only dream, it is -- at its core -- a straightforward case in which, following their divorce, a wife seeks to recover that which is owed to her from a husband and his proxies who, it is alleged, have done all they can to put monies beyond her reach."

Ex-wife in bitter £450m divorce wins UK court case against Russian oligarch's son

A total of 168 people have suffered rare blood clots after taking the AstraZeneca coronavirus <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccine</a> in Britain, and 32 have died, the UK's medicines regulator said Thursday.

The figures for clots or "thromboembolic events" run up to April 14, by when 21.2 million people had received first doses of the vaccine, according to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

It represents a rise of 10 deaths compared to the period up to April 5, and an additional 68 cases.

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"On the basis of this ongoing review, the advice remains that the benefits of the vaccine outweigh the risks in the majority of people," the MHRA said.

Acting on the regulator's advice, the UK government this month agreed to offer most people under 30 an alternative to the AstraZeneca coronavirus jab if possible, due to concerns over blood clots.

Of the 168 cases in the latest summary, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST or blood clots in the brain) was reported in 77 cases, with an average age of 47.

A further 91 cases had other "major thromboembolic events" along with thrombocytopenia -- low platelet counts -- with an average age of 55.

Overall, 93 women and 75 men suffered clots after receiving the vaccine.

"I would expect the true number of cases per million doses of vaccine to become clear fairly soon as these reports stabilise, but it is already clear that it is going to remain a very rare event," University of Bristol paediatrics professor Adam Finn said.

Britain has Europe's highest death toll from the Covid-19 pandemic but since the mass vaccination drive began with the AstraZeneca jab in December, rates of infection, hospitalisation and death have plummeted.

The coronavirus was no longer the leading cause of death in March, according to separate data released by the Office for National Statistics.

It said that Covid-19 was the third leading cause of death in England last month, dropping from the top spot for the first time since October.

A total of 168 people have suffered rare blood clots after taking the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine in Britain, and 32 have died, the UK's medicines regulator said Thursday.

A total of 168 people have suffered rare blood clots after taking the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine in Britain, and 32 have died, the UK's medicines regulator said Thursday. The figures for clots or "thromboembolic events" run up to April 14, by when 21.2 million people had received first doses of the vaccine, according to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). It represents a rise of 10 deaths compared to the period up to April 5, and an additional 68 cases. Also read | Is steam inhalation helpful in fighting COVID? All you need to know "On the basis of this ongoing review, the advice remains that the benefits of the vaccine outweigh the risks in the majority of people," the MHRA said. Acting on the regulator's advice, the UK government this month agreed to offer most people under 30 an alternative to the AstraZeneca coronavirus jab if possible, due to concerns over blood clots. Of the 168 cases in the latest summary, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST or blood clots in the brain) was reported in 77 cases, with an average age of 47. A further 91 cases had other "major thromboembolic events" along with thrombocytopenia -- low platelet counts -- with an average age of 55. Overall, 93 women and 75 men suffered clots after receiving the vaccine. "I would expect the true number of cases per million doses of vaccine to become clear fairly soon as these reports stabilise, but it is already clear that it is going to remain a very rare event," University of Bristol paediatrics professor Adam Finn said. Britain has Europe's highest death toll from the Covid-19 pandemic but since the mass vaccination drive began with the AstraZeneca jab in December, rates of infection, hospitalisation and death have plummeted. The coronavirus was no longer the leading cause of death in March, according to separate data released by the Office for National Statistics. It said that Covid-19 was the third leading cause of death in England last month, dropping from the top spot for the first time since October.

UK reports 32 deaths from clots after AstraZeneca jabs

The United kingdom has apologized after a report found that it failed to properly commemorate Black and Asian troops who died fighting for the British Empire during World War 1 due to 'pervasive racism'.

UK apologizes for 'pervasive racism' over commemoration of Black and Asian war dead

Touching artwork is strictly forbidden in most museums, let alone buying it and taking it home. But the Design Museum in London wants visitors to do precisely that.&nbsp;

It has transformed its gift shop to create what it describes as 'the world's first artist-designed supermarket' as a way of getting around coronavirus lockdown rules.&nbsp;

Under the government's plan to ease restrictions, museums in England have to remain shut until May 17 at the earliest, even as gyms, hairdressing salons and pubs have reopened.&nbsp;

But the west London museum has avoided weeks of further closure by converting its gift shop into a store selling essential items.&nbsp;

The products, ranging from rice and coffee to the most modern of essentials, face masks, are wrapped in packaging designed by 10 emerging artists.&nbsp;

Proceeds from the five-day exhibition, which runs from Wednesday to Sunday, with financial backing from gin company Bombay Sapphire, will go towards a fund for artists and designers.&nbsp;

Images of empty shelves and shortages of toilet paper and pasta at supermarkets marked the start of the pandemic in the UK last March.&nbsp;

But the Design Museum shop and its products are far from mundane: clean lines of brightly coloured jars and cans are neatly arranged on the shelves, with nothing out of place.&nbsp;

Museum director Tim Marlow said the exhibition called into question the nature of what is judged to be essential in everyday life.&nbsp;

So-called non-essential retail reopened in England on April 12. &nbsp;

"Isn't creativity essential? We're in a shop that's actually a work of art. From the street you see this flattened pattern or canvas, but once you're inside the experience is completely different," he told AFP.&nbsp;

"You can buy essential food items at competitive prices. It's about who profits, who funds, and exchange as much about culture.&nbsp;

"There's a fun element to it, there's a questioning and critical element and a culturally serious aspect to it.&nbsp;

"We're bemused by the fact that non-essential retail, gyms and hairdressers can open and museums will have to wait until the 17th (of May), but it is as it is."&nbsp;

The Design Museum lost 92 percent of its income due to forced closures but received a government grant of almost £3 million ($4.1 million, 3.4 million euros) last year to keep it afloat.&nbsp;

Touching artwork is strictly forbidden in most museums, let alone buying it and taking it home. But the Design Museum in London wants visitors to do precisely that.

Touching artwork is strictly forbidden in most museums, let alone buying it and taking it home. But the Design Museum in London wants visitors to do precisely that. It has transformed its gift shop to create what it describes as 'the world's first artist-designed supermarket' as a way of getting around coronavirus lockdown rules. Under the government's plan to ease restrictions, museums in England have to remain shut until May 17 at the earliest, even as gyms, hairdressing salons and pubs have reopened. But the west London museum has avoided weeks of further closure by converting its gift shop into a store selling essential items. The products, ranging from rice and coffee to the most modern of essentials, face masks, are wrapped in packaging designed by 10 emerging artists. Proceeds from the five-day exhibition, which runs from Wednesday to Sunday, with financial backing from gin company Bombay Sapphire, will go towards a fund for artists and designers. Images of empty shelves and shortages of toilet paper and pasta at supermarkets marked the start of the pandemic in the UK last March. But the Design Museum shop and its products are far from mundane: clean lines of brightly coloured jars and cans are neatly arranged on the shelves, with nothing out of place. Museum director Tim Marlow said the exhibition called into question the nature of what is judged to be essential in everyday life. So-called non-essential retail reopened in England on April 12. "Isn't creativity essential? We're in a shop that's actually a work of art. From the street you see this flattened pattern or canvas, but once you're inside the experience is completely different," he told AFP. "You can buy essential food items at competitive prices. It's about who profits, who funds, and exchange as much about culture. "There's a fun element to it, there's a questioning and critical element and a culturally serious aspect to it. "We're bemused by the fact that non-essential retail, gyms and hairdressers can open and museums will have to wait until the 17th (of May), but it is as it is." The Design Museum lost 92 percent of its income due to forced closures but received a government grant of almost £3 million ($4.1 million, 3.4 million euros) last year to keep it afloat.

Covid-hit UK museum reopens as a supermarket 

The British government said on Wednesday that Prime Minister Boris Johnson did nothing wrong when he exchanged text messages with a wealthy industrialist and promised he would 'fix' the tax rules for him.&nbsp;

The BBC reported that it had seen messages between Johnson and James Dyson, the vacuum cleaner inventor and home products magnate. The texts were sent in March 2020, when the coronavirus was sweeping across Britain and the government, fearing the health service would be overwhelmed, was trying to secure more ventilators.&nbsp;

It approached the Singapore-based Dyson, who sought assurances that his staff members would not have to pay extra taxes if they came to Britain to work on the project.&nbsp;

According to the BBC, Johnson texted: “I will fix it tomo (tomorrow)! We need you. It looks fantastic."&nbsp;

The main opposition Labour Party said the ‘jaw-dropping' revelations suggested that the prime minister had used the power of his office to personally hand public money to a billionaire friend in the form of tax breaks.&nbsp;

The British government denied wrongdoing, saying it, did everything we could in extraordinary times to protect our citizens and get access to the right medical equipment.&nbsp;

Dyson's company did work on ventilators, but they did not go into full production. &nbsp;

He said it was absurd to suggest that the urgent correspondence was anything other than seeking compliance with rules, as 450 Dyson people in UK and Singapore worked around the clock, seven days a week to build potentially life-saving equipment at a time of dire need.&nbsp;

The news comes on top of allegations of cronyism involving one of Johnson's Conservative predecessors, former Prime Minister David Cameron.&nbsp;

Cameron, who led Britain between 2010 and 2016, lobbied on behalf of a now-bankrupt financial services firm, Greensill Capital, whose founder he had employed as an adviser. Greensill collapsed last month, threatening thousands of jobs at a British manufacturer, Liberty Steel, which it helped finance.&nbsp;

Cameron has denied wrongdoing. Both the government and Parliament have launched inquiries. Opposition parties are calling for tougher rules on links between government ministers, civil servants and businesses, saying Britain's laxly enforced lobbying regulations leave the door open to corruption. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The British government said on Wednesday that Prime Minister Boris Johnson did nothing wrong when he exchanged text messages with a wealthy industrialist and promised he would 'fix' the tax rules for him.

The British government said on Wednesday that Prime Minister Boris Johnson did nothing wrong when he exchanged text messages with a wealthy industrialist and promised he would 'fix' the tax rules for him. The BBC reported that it had seen messages between Johnson and James Dyson, the vacuum cleaner inventor and home products magnate. The texts were sent in March 2020, when the coronavirus was sweeping across Britain and the government, fearing the health service would be overwhelmed, was trying to secure more ventilators. It approached the Singapore-based Dyson, who sought assurances that his staff members would not have to pay extra taxes if they came to Britain to work on the project. According to the BBC, Johnson texted: “I will fix it tomo (tomorrow)! We need you. It looks fantastic." The main opposition Labour Party said the ‘jaw-dropping' revelations suggested that the prime minister had used the power of his office to personally hand public money to a billionaire friend in the form of tax breaks. The British government denied wrongdoing, saying it, did everything we could in extraordinary times to protect our citizens and get access to the right medical equipment. Dyson's company did work on ventilators, but they did not go into full production. He said it was absurd to suggest that the urgent correspondence was anything other than seeking compliance with rules, as 450 Dyson people in UK and Singapore worked around the clock, seven days a week to build potentially life-saving equipment at a time of dire need. The news comes on top of allegations of cronyism involving one of Johnson's Conservative predecessors, former Prime Minister David Cameron. Cameron, who led Britain between 2010 and 2016, lobbied on behalf of a now-bankrupt financial services firm, Greensill Capital, whose founder he had employed as an adviser. Greensill collapsed last month, threatening thousands of jobs at a British manufacturer, Liberty Steel, which it helped finance. Cameron has denied wrongdoing. Both the government and Parliament have launched inquiries. Opposition parties are calling for tougher rules on links between government ministers, civil servants and businesses, saying Britain's laxly enforced lobbying regulations leave the door open to corruption. (With inputs from agencies)

UK leader denies breaking lobbying rules with texts to Dyson 

The United Kingdom has invited India for an in-person&nbsp;G7&nbsp;foreign ministers meeting that will take place in London from May 3-5. The UK as the chair of the grouping for this year has invited India, along with Australia, South Korea, South Africa, and the Chair and Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). 
 
UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said,"the meeting of&nbsp;G7&nbsp;Foreign and Development Ministers next month is an opportunity to show how the world’s biggest democracies work together to ensure equitable access to vaccines, build back better from the pandemic, support girls in the poorest countries get a good quality education and agree ambitious action to tackle climate change."

A key focus of the meet will be&nbsp;the COVID-19 crisis&nbsp;as the pandemic continues to ravage large parts of the world. Climate change will be the other big focus area, given the UK will also&nbsp;host&nbsp;the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) meet later this year.

G7&nbsp;is a grouping of seven&nbsp;industrialised countries - Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, US &amp; UK - plus the EU. This will be the first physical&nbsp;G7&nbsp;meet to take place in over two&nbsp;years, the last being in Dinard and Saint-Malo, France in April 2019.&nbsp;

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited to the 47th&nbsp;G7&nbsp;summit that will take place in Carbis Bay, Cornwall, UK from June 11-13. India has been regularly invited for the&nbsp;G7&nbsp;summit since 2019, first by France, then in 2020 by the US, and now by the UK this year. The physical&nbsp;G7&nbsp;meet last year, under the former&nbsp;US President Donald Trump never happened, for reasons not known but perhaps due to the&nbsp;pandemic.&nbsp; 
 
The former&nbsp;Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was first invited for the G8 grouping in 2005, back then by the UK in Gleneagles. The group became&nbsp;G7&nbsp;after&nbsp;"disinviting" Russia in 2014 over Crimea crisis.

The United Kingdom has invited India for an in-person G7 foreign ministers meeting that will take place in London from May 3-5. The UK as the chair of the grouping for this year has invited India, along with Australia, South Korea, South Africa, and the Chair and Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The United Kingdom has invited India for an in-person G7 foreign ministers meeting that will take place in London from May 3-5. The UK as the chair of the grouping for this year has invited India, along with Australia, South Korea, South Africa, and the Chair and Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said,"the meeting of G7 Foreign and Development Ministers next month is an opportunity to show how the world’s biggest democracies work together to ensure equitable access to vaccines, build back better from the pandemic, support girls in the poorest countries get a good quality education and agree ambitious action to tackle climate change." A key focus of the meet will be the COVID-19 crisis as the pandemic continues to ravage large parts of the world. Climate change will be the other big focus area, given the UK will also host the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) meet later this year. G7 is a grouping of seven industrialised countries - Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, US & UK - plus the EU. This will be the first physical G7 meet to take place in over two years, the last being in Dinard and Saint-Malo, France in April 2019. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited to the 47th G7 summit that will take place in Carbis Bay, Cornwall, UK from June 11-13. India has been regularly invited for the G7 summit since 2019, first by France, then in 2020 by the US, and now by the UK this year. The physical G7 meet last year, under the former US President Donald Trump never happened, for reasons not known but perhaps due to the pandemic. The former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was first invited for the G8 grouping in 2005, back then by the UK in Gleneagles. The group became G7 after "disinviting" Russia in 2014 over Crimea crisis.

UK invites India for G7 FMs meet in London in May

Britain on Monday added India to its COVID-19 travel "red list", which effectively bans all travel from the country and makes a 10-day hotel quarantine compulsory for UK residents arriving back to the country.

UK adds India to COVID-19 travel 'red list' amid new variant cases

British warships will sail for the Black Sea in May amid rising tensions between Ukraine and Russia, the Sunday Times newspaper reported, citing senior naval sources.&nbsp;

The deployment is aimed at showing solidarity with Ukraine and Britain's NATO allies, the newspaper reported.&nbsp;

One Type 45 destroyer armed with anti-aircraft missiles and an anti-submarine Type 23 frigate will leave the Royal Navy's carrier task group in the Mediterranean and head through the Bosphorus into the Black Sea, according to the report.&nbsp;

RAF F-35B Lightning stealth jets and Merlin submarine-hunting helicopters will stand ready on the task group's flag ship, the carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth, to support the warships in the Black Sea, the report added.&nbsp;

Tensions between Moscow and Kyiv have been rising amid a build-up of Russian troops along the border and clashes in eastern Ukraine between the army and pro-Russian separatists.&nbsp;

Officials at the UK Ministry of Defence were not immediately available for comment. &nbsp;

A ministry spokesman told the newspaper that the UK government was working closely with Ukraine to monitor the situation and continued to call on Russia to de-escalate.&nbsp;

"The UK and our international allies are unwavering in our support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity", the newspaper quoted the spokesman as saying.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

British warships will sail for the Black Sea in May amid rising tensions between Ukraine and Russia, the Sunday Times newspaper reported, citing senior naval sources.

British warships will sail for the Black Sea in May amid rising tensions between Ukraine and Russia, the Sunday Times newspaper reported, citing senior naval sources. The deployment is aimed at showing solidarity with Ukraine and Britain's NATO allies, the newspaper reported. One Type 45 destroyer armed with anti-aircraft missiles and an anti-submarine Type 23 frigate will leave the Royal Navy's carrier task group in the Mediterranean and head through the Bosphorus into the Black Sea, according to the report. RAF F-35B Lightning stealth jets and Merlin submarine-hunting helicopters will stand ready on the task group's flag ship, the carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth, to support the warships in the Black Sea, the report added. Tensions between Moscow and Kyiv have been rising amid a build-up of Russian troops along the border and clashes in eastern Ukraine between the army and pro-Russian separatists. Officials at the UK Ministry of Defence were not immediately available for comment. A ministry spokesman told the newspaper that the UK government was working closely with Ukraine to monitor the situation and continued to call on Russia to de-escalate. "The UK and our international allies are unwavering in our support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity", the newspaper quoted the spokesman as saying. (With inputs from agencies)

UK warships to head for Black Sea in May as tensions rise: Report 

Chad's army said on Saturday it had ‘completely destroyed' a column of rebels that attacked the country on the day of last week's presidential election.&nbsp;

Soldiers were searching for the last of the rebels, army spokesman Azem Bermandoa Agouna said in a statement read out on national television.&nbsp;

"The adventure of the mercenaries from Libya has ended, as announced," Communications Minister and government spokesman Cherif Mahamat Zene announced on Twitter.&nbsp;

Four tanks and several soldiers were stationed at the northern entrance of the Chadian capital N'Djamena on Saturday evening, where military vehicles were continuing to drive towards the fighting, an AFP journalist said.&nbsp;

The US embassy there on Saturday told its non-essential staff to leave the country because of the possibility of violence in the city.&nbsp;Britain also urged its citizens to leave the country as soon as possible.&nbsp;

Last Sunday, members of the Force for Change and Concord in Chad (FACT) rebel force group, said they had captured garrisons near Chad's northern borders with Niger and Libya 'without resistance'.&nbsp;

FACT is based in Libya, where it has a non-aggression pact with Khalifa Haftar, a military strongman, who controls much of the country's east. Mainly made up of the Saharan Goran people, it clashes regularly with the Chadian army.&nbsp;

The latest assault came on last Sunday, the same day as the country's presidential election, which the incumbent Idriss Deby Itno, who has ruled the country for 30 years, is expected to win.&nbsp;

Preliminary results will not be announced until April 25.&nbsp;

Initial indications suggested large numbers of people stayed away from the vote, prompting opposition figures to claim their calls for a boycott of the polls had worked.&nbsp;

The Tibesti mountains near the Libyan frontier frequently see fighting between rebels and the army. French air strikes were needed to stop an incursion there in early 2019.&nbsp;

In February 2008, a rebel assault reached the gates of the presidential palace before being pushed back with French backing.&nbsp;

Chad's army said on Saturday it had ‘completely destroyed' a column of rebels that attacked the country on the day of last week's presidential election. Soldiers were searching for the last of the rebels, army spokesman Azem Bermandoa Agouna said in a statement read out on national television.

Chad's army said on Saturday it had ‘completely destroyed' a column of rebels that attacked the country on the day of last week's presidential election. Soldiers were searching for the last of the rebels, army spokesman Azem Bermandoa Agouna said in a statement read out on national television. "The adventure of the mercenaries from Libya has ended, as announced," Communications Minister and government spokesman Cherif Mahamat Zene announced on Twitter. Four tanks and several soldiers were stationed at the northern entrance of the Chadian capital N'Djamena on Saturday evening, where military vehicles were continuing to drive towards the fighting, an AFP journalist said. The US embassy there on Saturday told its non-essential staff to leave the country because of the possibility of violence in the city. Britain also urged its citizens to leave the country as soon as possible. Last Sunday, members of the Force for Change and Concord in Chad (FACT) rebel force group, said they had captured garrisons near Chad's northern borders with Niger and Libya 'without resistance'. FACT is based in Libya, where it has a non-aggression pact with Khalifa Haftar, a military strongman, who controls much of the country's east. Mainly made up of the Saharan Goran people, it clashes regularly with the Chadian army. The latest assault came on last Sunday, the same day as the country's presidential election, which the incumbent Idriss Deby Itno, who has ruled the country for 30 years, is expected to win. Preliminary results will not be announced until April 25. Initial indications suggested large numbers of people stayed away from the vote, prompting opposition figures to claim their calls for a boycott of the polls had worked. The Tibesti mountains near the Libyan frontier frequently see fighting between rebels and the army. French air strikes were needed to stop an incursion there in early 2019. In February 2008, a rebel assault reached the gates of the presidential palace before being pushed back with French backing.

Chad's army says rebel column in the north 'destroyed' 

Calls have been growing for UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson to cancel the trip to India. UK report cases of variant detected in India. UK has detected 80 cases of double mutant strain. Johnson is all set to arrive in India on April 25 and he has already reduced the duration of the trip amid the COVID surge in India.

Pressure on UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson to cancel the trip to India

A double mutation coronavirus that first emerged in India has been detected in the UK.

A total of 77 cases of the variant, known as B.1.617, have been recorded in the UK up to April 14, according to Public Health England (PHE).

The B.1.617 variant contains mutations from two separate virus variants, namely E484Q and L452R.

The double mutant strain was first found in samples of saliva collected from Maharashtra, Punjab, and Delhi.

According to health experts, the L452R variant was first found in the US, whereas the E484Q variant is indigenous.

Scientists are worried about the variant as it carries two mutations in the spike protein that may make it more able to evade the body’s immune responses.

Experts in India are working to understand whether or not it could be more infectious and resistant to vaccines.

According to the health ministry, the new variant could also increase infection rates and easily surpass immune defences.

(With inputs from agencies)

A double mutation coronavirus that first emerged in India has been detected in the UK. A total of 77 cases of the variant, known as B.1.617, have been recorded in the UK up to April 14, according to Public Health England (PHE).

A double mutation coronavirus that first emerged in India has been detected in the UK. A total of 77 cases of the variant, known as B.1.617, have been recorded in the UK up to April 14, according to Public Health England (PHE). The B.1.617 variant contains mutations from two separate virus variants, namely E484Q and L452R. The double mutant strain was first found in samples of saliva collected from Maharashtra, Punjab, and Delhi. According to health experts, the L452R variant was first found in the US, whereas the E484Q variant is indigenous. Scientists are worried about the variant as it carries two mutations in the spike protein that may make it more able to evade the body’s immune responses. Experts in India are working to understand whether or not it could be more infectious and resistant to vaccines. According to the health ministry, the new variant could also increase infection rates and easily surpass immune defences. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian variant of Covid-19 discovered in the UK, 77 cases ‘under investigation’

The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson has shorten his visit to India amid rising Coronavirus cases. India is currently battling second wave of Covid-19 with over 1lakh daily cases.

UK PM Boris Johnson shortens India visit due to Covid-19

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will visit India from April 25 and is set to agree a 'Roadmap 2030' for re-energised India-UK relations across trade and investment and climate action, the Indian High Commission in London said on Thursday.

Earlier, Downing Street had confirmed that due to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis in India, Johnson has decided to shorten the length of his planned visit with the bulk of the programme now set to take place during the course of Monday, April 26.

Watch |&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

The visit, previously postponed from a Republic Day tour in January, is the first major bilateral visit for Johnson outside Europe since the UK general election in December 2019 and the conclusion of the Brexit transition period at the end of December 2020.

"The visit of PM Johnson is expected to positively transform the partnership across the wide-spectrum of issues and areas relating to Defence and Security, the Indo-Pacific and Western Indian Ocean Region (WIOR), Trade and Investments, Health care, Climate Change and people-to-people connect," the High Commission of India in London said.

"India and UK are set to agree on a 'Roadmap 2030' for future relations. The 2030 vision is for revitalised and dynamic connect between people; re-energised trade, investment and technological collaboration; enhanced defence and security cooperation and closer engagement on regional issues including the Indian Ocean Region and the Indo-Pacific. The India-UK Partnership in Climate Action, clean energy and health care is geared for mutual benefit and a better world,"&nbsp;it adds.

As part of the UK's post-Brexit Global Britain engagement as a non-member of the European Union (EU), all eyes have been on a proposed Enhanced Trade Partnership (ETP) with India which will pave the way for a full-fledged Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in the future.

The ETP was expected to take firm shape during Johnson's visit this month but it remains to be seen how that progresses given the scaled-back programme.

"India-UK successful collaboration in the COVID-19 mitigation efforts over the last year has emerged as the silver lining in the bilateral relationship. Building upon the success achieved in the joint development, manufacture and distribution of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, the visit will provide an opportunity to further consolidate the India-UK joint partnership in addressing future pandemics through health infrastructure development, joint investment in research and development of vaccines, swifter exchanges of healthcare professionals and strengthening existing institutional links/partnerships in the health sector,"&nbsp;the Indian High Commission said.

The last bilateral visit by a British Prime Minister to India took place in November 2016 when Theresa May met Prime Minister Narendra Modi for talks, a visit widely seen as unsuccessful largely from the point of view of Britain's perceived unwelcome visa stance towards Indian students and professionals at the time.

Johnson's visit, which has been repeatedly hit by COVID-19 pandemic constraints, is by contrast expected to deliver a "streamlined and liberalised regime" for the flow of people between the two countries.

Downing Street is yet to reveal a detailed itinerary of Johnson's truncated agenda but confirmed on Wednesday that it will include a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Modi and high-level ministerial as well as business talks.

"This programme will be focused on high level discussions with the Indian government and Indian business leaders. We'll set out more details in due course, but the visit will include a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Modi," Johnson's spokesperson at 10 Downing Street said.

The spokesperson said the Prime Minister took the decision to reduce the length of the visit to a shorter programme in New Delhi in light of the COVID situation in India and following discussions with the Indian government.

"As with all the Prime Minister's visits, his trip to India will prioritise the safety of those involved. All elements of the visit will be Covid secure,"&nbsp;the spokesperson said.

The visit comes in the wake of the UK's foreign policy vision for an Indo-Pacific tilt as part of its 'once-in-a-generation'&nbsp;Integrated Review released last month, with the India visit highlighted as a central plank of that strategy during its launch in the House of Commons.&nbsp;

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will visit India from April 25 and is set to agree a 'Roadmap 2030' for re-energised India-UK relations across trade and investment and climate action, the Indian High Commission in London said on Thursday.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will visit India from April 25 and is set to agree a 'Roadmap 2030' for re-energised India-UK relations across trade and investment and climate action, the Indian High Commission in London said on Thursday. Earlier, Downing Street had confirmed that due to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis in India, Johnson has decided to shorten the length of his planned visit with the bulk of the programme now set to take place during the course of Monday, April 26. Watch | The visit, previously postponed from a Republic Day tour in January, is the first major bilateral visit for Johnson outside Europe since the UK general election in December 2019 and the conclusion of the Brexit transition period at the end of December 2020. "The visit of PM Johnson is expected to positively transform the partnership across the wide-spectrum of issues and areas relating to Defence and Security, the Indo-Pacific and Western Indian Ocean Region (WIOR), Trade and Investments, Health care, Climate Change and people-to-people connect," the High Commission of India in London said. "India and UK are set to agree on a 'Roadmap 2030' for future relations. The 2030 vision is for revitalised and dynamic connect between people; re-energised trade, investment and technological collaboration; enhanced defence and security cooperation and closer engagement on regional issues including the Indian Ocean Region and the Indo-Pacific. The India-UK Partnership in Climate Action, clean energy and health care is geared for mutual benefit and a better world," it adds. As part of the UK's post-Brexit Global Britain engagement as a non-member of the European Union (EU), all eyes have been on a proposed Enhanced Trade Partnership (ETP) with India which will pave the way for a full-fledged Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in the future. The ETP was expected to take firm shape during Johnson's visit this month but it remains to be seen how that progresses given the scaled-back programme. "India-UK successful collaboration in the COVID-19 mitigation efforts over the last year has emerged as the silver lining in the bilateral relationship. Building upon the success achieved in the joint development, manufacture and distribution of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, the visit will provide an opportunity to further consolidate the India-UK joint partnership in addressing future pandemics through health infrastructure development, joint investment in research and development of vaccines, swifter exchanges of healthcare professionals and strengthening existing institutional links/partnerships in the health sector," the Indian High Commission said. The last bilateral visit by a British Prime Minister to India took place in November 2016 when Theresa May met Prime Minister Narendra Modi for talks, a visit widely seen as unsuccessful largely from the point of view of Britain's perceived unwelcome visa stance towards Indian students and professionals at the time. Johnson's visit, which has been repeatedly hit by COVID-19 pandemic constraints, is by contrast expected to deliver a "streamlined and liberalised regime" for the flow of people between the two countries. Downing Street is yet to reveal a detailed itinerary of Johnson's truncated agenda but confirmed on Wednesday that it will include a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Modi and high-level ministerial as well as business talks. "This programme will be focused on high level discussions with the Indian government and Indian business leaders. We'll set out more details in due course, but the visit will include a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Modi," Johnson's spokesperson at 10 Downing Street said. The spokesperson said the Prime Minister took the decision to reduce the length of the visit to a shorter programme in New Delhi in light of the COVID situation in India and following discussions with the Indian government. "As with all the Prime Minister's visits, his trip to India will prioritise the safety of those involved. All elements of the visit will be Covid secure," the spokesperson said. The visit comes in the wake of the UK's foreign policy vision for an Indo-Pacific tilt as part of its 'once-in-a-generation' Integrated Review released last month, with the India visit highlighted as a central plank of that strategy during its launch in the House of Commons.

Boris Johnson's India visit to finalise 'Roadmap 2030' for India-UK ties 

Studies published in Lancet Infectious Diseases and Lancet Public Health have found that the UK variant of COVID-19 spreads more quickly but there is no evidence to conclusively say that symptoms were worse than original coronavirus strain.

The studies found that the 'viral load' and 'R-number' for B.1.1.7 (UK variant of coronavirus). This indicates that it has high transmissibility.

Out of the two studies, the one published in Lancet Infectious Diseases is a whole genome sequencing and cohort study. This study involved coronavirus patients admitted to University College London Hospital and North Middlesex University Hospital between November 9 and December 20, 2020.

The authors of the study compared illness severity in those who were infected with UK variant and those who were not. Out of 341 patients, 198 had B.1.1.7 and 143 had a non-B.1.1.7 infection.

There was no evidence found that patients infected with the UK variant had more severe disease. It was found that 36 per cent of UK variant infected patients died as compared to 38 per cent of those with non-UK variant.

However, when the researchers measured the viral load of patients, they found that it was greater in case of UK variant.

Viral load refers to amount of virus present in a person's nose and throat. Greater the viral load, greater is the transmissibility.

Hence, the researchers found that UK coronavirus variant was more transmissible.

Studies published in Lancet Infectious Diseases and Lancet Public Health have found that the UK variant of COVID-19 spreads more quickly but there is no evidence to conclusively say that symptoms were worse than original coronavirus strain.

Studies published in Lancet Infectious Diseases and Lancet Public Health have found that the UK variant of COVID-19 spreads more quickly but there is no evidence to conclusively say that symptoms were worse than original coronavirus strain. The studies found that the 'viral load' and 'R-number' for B.1.1.7 (UK variant of coronavirus). This indicates that it has high transmissibility. Out of the two studies, the one published in Lancet Infectious Diseases is a whole genome sequencing and cohort study. This study involved coronavirus patients admitted to University College London Hospital and North Middlesex University Hospital between November 9 and December 20, 2020. The authors of the study compared illness severity in those who were infected with UK variant and those who were not. Out of 341 patients, 198 had B.1.1.7 and 143 had a non-B.1.1.7 infection. There was no evidence found that patients infected with the UK variant had more severe disease. It was found that 36 per cent of UK variant infected patients died as compared to 38 per cent of those with non-UK variant. However, when the researchers measured the viral load of patients, they found that it was greater in case of UK variant. Viral load refers to amount of virus present in a person's nose and throat. Greater the viral load, greater is the transmissibility. Hence, the researchers found that UK coronavirus variant was more transmissible.

UK COVID variant spreads faster but no evidence of worse symptoms: Study

The drinks are flowing as Britain unlocks. The mood on the streets is festive & the pubs are buzzing. Infections, deaths & hospitalisations have all fallen. Which measures worked for the United Kingdom WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Britons celebrate as lockdown ends

A lobbying scandal swirling around former British prime minister David Cameron has deepened with claims that a senior civil servant held down a part-time job with a now-bankrupt financial firm that was awarded lucrative government contracts.&nbsp;

The main opposition Labour Party called a vote in the House of Commons on Wednesday to demand a full parliamentary inquiry into the relationship between government ministers, civil servants and Greensill Capital, a financial services firm that collapsed last month, threatening thousands of jobs at a British steelmaker it helped finance.&nbsp;

The Conservative government has launched an investigation led by a lawyer, but opponents doubt it will get to the truth. Opposition parties are calling for tougher rules on contacts between business representatives and government officials, saying Britain's laxly enforced lobbying regulations leave the door open to corruption.&nbsp;

Opposition Labour Party leader Keir Starmer said the revelations showed the 'sleaze and cronyism that's at the heart of this Conservative government.' "We need to overhaul this whole broken system," he said.&nbsp;

A series of news reports over the last month revealed that Cameron lobbied senior government officials on behalf of a finance firm founded by Australian banker Lex Greensill, a former adviser to Cameron's 2010-2016 Conservative-led government.&nbsp;

Greensill Capital was given a lucrative role in 'supply chain finance' arrangements that saw it pay contractors on behalf of the government before being reimbursed by the Treasury. The system was designed to expedite payments to contractors, including pharmacies supplying the National Health Service, but critics say the government should just have paid the contractors directly.&nbsp;

Cameron worked as a part-time adviser to Greensill after he left office and held shares in the company.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, it emerged that a senior civil servant, Bill Crothers, began working as a part-time adviser to Greensill's board in September 2015, two months before he left his job as the government's chief commercial officer in charge of government purchasing.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he shared 'the widespread concern about some of the stuff that we're reading at the moment’. &nbsp;

"I do think it is a good idea in principle that civil servants should be able to engage with business and should have experience of private sector," Johnson told lawmakers in the House of Commons. But, he added, "it's not clear that those boundaries had been properly understood”. &nbsp;

British media began digging into Cameron's work for Greensill after the company's collapse forced the owner of Liberty Steel, which employs about 5,000 people, to seek a government bailout. Greensill was one of the company's key financial backers.&nbsp;

News reports have revealed that Cameron sent text messages to Treasury chief Rishi Sunak in an effort to secure government-backed loans for Greensill under a programme to help companies hurt by the Covid-19 pandemic. He also lobbied Health Secretary Matt Hancock on behalf of a Greensill product that would have allowed healthcare workers to receive advance payments on their salaries.&nbsp;

After weeks of silence, Cameron released a lengthy statement on Sunday, insisting that his work for the company didn't break any rules on the activities of former ministers. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A lobbying scandal swirling around former British prime minister David Cameron has deepened with claims that a senior civil servant held down a part-time job with a now-bankrupt financial firm that was awarded lucrative government contracts.

A lobbying scandal swirling around former British prime minister David Cameron has deepened with claims that a senior civil servant held down a part-time job with a now-bankrupt financial firm that was awarded lucrative government contracts. The main opposition Labour Party called a vote in the House of Commons on Wednesday to demand a full parliamentary inquiry into the relationship between government ministers, civil servants and Greensill Capital, a financial services firm that collapsed last month, threatening thousands of jobs at a British steelmaker it helped finance. The Conservative government has launched an investigation led by a lawyer, but opponents doubt it will get to the truth. Opposition parties are calling for tougher rules on contacts between business representatives and government officials, saying Britain's laxly enforced lobbying regulations leave the door open to corruption. Opposition Labour Party leader Keir Starmer said the revelations showed the 'sleaze and cronyism that's at the heart of this Conservative government.' "We need to overhaul this whole broken system," he said. A series of news reports over the last month revealed that Cameron lobbied senior government officials on behalf of a finance firm founded by Australian banker Lex Greensill, a former adviser to Cameron's 2010-2016 Conservative-led government. Greensill Capital was given a lucrative role in 'supply chain finance' arrangements that saw it pay contractors on behalf of the government before being reimbursed by the Treasury. The system was designed to expedite payments to contractors, including pharmacies supplying the National Health Service, but critics say the government should just have paid the contractors directly. Cameron worked as a part-time adviser to Greensill after he left office and held shares in the company. On Tuesday, it emerged that a senior civil servant, Bill Crothers, began working as a part-time adviser to Greensill's board in September 2015, two months before he left his job as the government's chief commercial officer in charge of government purchasing. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he shared 'the widespread concern about some of the stuff that we're reading at the moment’. "I do think it is a good idea in principle that civil servants should be able to engage with business and should have experience of private sector," Johnson told lawmakers in the House of Commons. But, he added, "it's not clear that those boundaries had been properly understood”. British media began digging into Cameron's work for Greensill after the company's collapse forced the owner of Liberty Steel, which employs about 5,000 people, to seek a government bailout. Greensill was one of the company's key financial backers. News reports have revealed that Cameron sent text messages to Treasury chief Rishi Sunak in an effort to secure government-backed loans for Greensill under a programme to help companies hurt by the Covid-19 pandemic. He also lobbied Health Secretary Matt Hancock on behalf of a Greensill product that would have allowed healthcare workers to receive advance payments on their salaries. After weeks of silence, Cameron released a lengthy statement on Sunday, insisting that his work for the company didn't break any rules on the activities of former ministers. (With inputs from agencies)

Opposition accuses government of sleaze amid lobbying scandal in UK 

In January this year, as Christmas &amp; New Year festivities came to an end, a new and more transmissible variant of the coronavirus led to a massive spike in infections in the UK. To suppress the surge, a third lockdown was imposed, one of the largest and most stringent lockdowns in the world. &nbsp;

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The movement of 56 million people was limited and a mass vaccination programme was launched.

Now, 98 days on, infections, hospitalisations, and deaths have fallen. At least 60% of the adult population has received one vaccine dose.

Britain is slowly unlocking as restrictions are being eased. &nbsp;

Boris Johnson plans to get a haircut, and the people are enjoying their freedom.

The mood is festive. A customer&nbsp;said, "Oh it feels great, it's amazing, there's nothing like it."&nbsp;

The streets are packed. Antonia and Blythe, two students, said, “The start of a new world baby. So exciting to be out on the street. It’s going to be a good time."&nbsp;

The stores are filled up. Nicole Teufelberger, a fashion student, said, “It’s really nice. We talked about it, we walked here, and it feels almost like London’s coming back alive.”&nbsp;

The pubs are buzzing. Lachlan Andrews and Ian Thomason, pub managers, said, “Yeah, I am definitely not going to take a pint for granted ever again. that's just always going to be like yeah... that's going to be a thing."&nbsp;

Families have reunited. Mother and son reunited after almost a year apart due to coronavirus restrictions, said, “It just feels like being released really, from a cage, basically seeing my boy again..."&nbsp;

And the drinks are flowing.&nbsp;

Alan Hargrave, a customer, said, “(drinks) Oh, worth the year wait, cheers."&nbsp;

After living under the most stringent restrictions, the people of the United Kingdom can't help but stay outdoors. In Birmingham, there are long queues outside luxury stores as people are keen to indulge in some retail therapy.&nbsp;

Valeria Schiavo, a shopper, said, “It’s amazing, it almost feels strange to be here actually, but it’s nice, finally."&nbsp;

In Yorkshire, they are toasting to the easing of restrictions with early morning pints.&nbsp;

Geoff, a customer, said, "It's just fantastic. So, I haven’t had one since Christmas day, so this is my first beer this year and how I will carry on later on, I don't know, but it tastes fantastic."&nbsp;

And in London, they are savouring the chance to meet with some steak and laughter. &nbsp;

George Wicks, guest at Skylight Bar, said, “Yeah, we were we were excited to get out. yeah. At least, anyway, it's nice to go out the flat."&nbsp;

At the onset of 2021, the United Kingdom was going through one of Europe's worst coronavirus outbreaks but thanks to timely measures, the situation is finally stabilising.&nbsp;

The infections have fallen by two-thirds since February.&nbsp;

Gatherings of 10 people are now being permitted and students above 8 years of age have returned to classrooms. Meanwhile, the vaccine rollout continues. 5.6 million people have been fully vaccinated,&nbsp;32 million have had their first dose and only 2,800 people are in hospital. According to estimates, by July 31, most British citizens above 18 years of age, in the age group of 40-49 years, 30-39 years, and 18-29 years, will have received their first dose.&nbsp;

&nbsp;UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, said, “We are very confident about our vaccine supplies. This was always going to be the second dose month and people should come forward for the second doses, and people who are called from the 39-49 group should come forward and get theirs." &nbsp;

The vaccination programme has helped but Boris Johnson says, it was the lockdown which did most of the work. The UK Prime Minister said, "Yes, of course, the vaccination programme has helped but the bulk of the work in reducing the disease has been done by the lockdown."&nbsp;

As much of the world is bracing for yet another lockdown, the United Kingdom is returning to normalcy but after so many false dawns, there's no guarantee that there would be no going back one more time. &nbsp;

Johnson added, “So, as we unlock, the result will inevitably be that we will see more infection, sadly we will see more hospitalisations and deaths and people have just got to understand that." &nbsp;

In January this year, as Christmas & New Year festivities came to an end, a new and more transmissible variant of the coronavirus led to a massive spike in infections in the UK.

In January this year, as Christmas & New Year festivities came to an end, a new and more transmissible variant of the coronavirus led to a massive spike in infections in the UK. To suppress the surge, a third lockdown was imposed, one of the largest and most stringent lockdowns in the world. The movement of 56 million people was limited and a mass vaccination programme was launched. Now, 98 days on, infections, hospitalisations, and deaths have fallen. At least 60% of the adult population has received one vaccine dose. Britain is slowly unlocking as restrictions are being eased. Boris Johnson plans to get a haircut, and the people are enjoying their freedom. The mood is festive. A customer said, "Oh it feels great, it's amazing, there's nothing like it." The streets are packed. Antonia and Blythe, two students, said, “The start of a new world baby. So exciting to be out on the street. It’s going to be a good time." The stores are filled up. Nicole Teufelberger, a fashion student, said, “It’s really nice. We talked about it, we walked here, and it feels almost like London’s coming back alive.” The pubs are buzzing. Lachlan Andrews and Ian Thomason, pub managers, said, “Yeah, I am definitely not going to take a pint for granted ever again. that's just always going to be like yeah... that's going to be a thing." Families have reunited. Mother and son reunited after almost a year apart due to coronavirus restrictions, said, “It just feels like being released really, from a cage, basically seeing my boy again..." And the drinks are flowing. Alan Hargrave, a customer, said, “(drinks) Oh, worth the year wait, cheers." After living under the most stringent restrictions, the people of the United Kingdom can't help but stay outdoors. In Birmingham, there are long queues outside luxury stores as people are keen to indulge in some retail therapy. Valeria Schiavo, a shopper, said, “It’s amazing, it almost feels strange to be here actually, but it’s nice, finally." In Yorkshire, they are toasting to the easing of restrictions with early morning pints. Geoff, a customer, said, "It's just fantastic. So, I haven’t had one since Christmas day, so this is my first beer this year and how I will carry on later on, I don't know, but it tastes fantastic." And in London, they are savouring the chance to meet with some steak and laughter. George Wicks, guest at Skylight Bar, said, “Yeah, we were we were excited to get out. yeah. At least, anyway, it's nice to go out the flat." At the onset of 2021, the United Kingdom was going through one of Europe's worst coronavirus outbreaks but thanks to timely measures, the situation is finally stabilising. The infections have fallen by two-thirds since February. Gatherings of 10 people are now being permitted and students above 8 years of age have returned to classrooms. Meanwhile, the vaccine rollout continues. 5.6 million people have been fully vaccinated, 32 million have had their first dose and only 2,800 people are in hospital. According to estimates, by July 31, most British citizens above 18 years of age, in the age group of 40-49 years, 30-39 years, and 18-29 years, will have received their first dose. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, said, “We are very confident about our vaccine supplies. This was always going to be the second dose month and people should come forward for the second doses, and people who are called from the 39-49 group should come forward and get theirs." The vaccination programme has helped but Boris Johnson says, it was the lockdown which did most of the work. The UK Prime Minister said, "Yes, of course, the vaccination programme has helped but the bulk of the work in reducing the disease has been done by the lockdown." As much of the world is bracing for yet another lockdown, the United Kingdom is returning to normalcy but after so many false dawns, there's no guarantee that there would be no going back one more time. Johnson added, “So, as we unlock, the result will inevitably be that we will see more infection, sadly we will see more hospitalisations and deaths and people have just got to understand that."

UK returns to normalcy as restrictions ease 

The study of patients in London hospitals is consistent with emerging evidence that this lineage is more transmissible than the original COVID-19 strain.

UK Covid variant doesn’t lead to severe illness, death: The Lancet

In a setback for Islamabad, the United Kingdom in its new amended regulations on money laundering and&nbsp;terror financing has listed Pakistan under high-risk states. Pakistan is listed under 21 'high-risk third countries', which includes North Korea, Syria, Zimbabwe, Syria and Yemen.&nbsp;

The 'Amendment of the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017' has the amendment with the new list which includes Pakistan. The regulation came into effect on March 26.&nbsp;

The new regulation is a post-Brexit regime and mentioned that replacement of "a country which has been identified by the European Commission as a high-risk third country in delegated acts adopted under Article 9.2 of the fourth money laundering directive” with a new substitute “a high-risk third country”.&nbsp;

Pakistan strongly reacted to the development and said, "UK's assessment leading to the subject regulation is not based on facts", asking London to "review its regulations" and "avoid politically motivated and misplaced measures."&nbsp;

The development comes even as the Financial Action Task Force or FATF's sword continues to hang on Pakistan. The country has been on the financial watchdog's grey list since June 2018, impacting its economy. In the February meeting, the body decided to keep Pakistan on the grey list and gave more time to implement its 27-point action plan. It called on Pakistan to address deficiencies, including "demonstrating effective implementation of targeted financial sanctions against all 1267 and 1373 designated terrorists, specifically those acting for or on their behalf."&nbsp;

In a setback for Islamabad, the United Kingdom in its new amended regulations on money laundering and terror financing has listed Pakistan under high-risk states.

In a setback for Islamabad, the United Kingdom in its new amended regulations on money laundering and terror financing has listed Pakistan under high-risk states. Pakistan is listed under 21 'high-risk third countries', which includes North Korea, Syria, Zimbabwe, Syria and Yemen. The 'Amendment of the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017' has the amendment with the new list which includes Pakistan. The regulation came into effect on March 26. The new regulation is a post-Brexit regime and mentioned that replacement of "a country which has been identified by the European Commission as a high-risk third country in delegated acts adopted under Article 9.2 of the fourth money laundering directive” with a new substitute “a high-risk third country”. Pakistan strongly reacted to the development and said, "UK's assessment leading to the subject regulation is not based on facts", asking London to "review its regulations" and "avoid politically motivated and misplaced measures." The development comes even as the Financial Action Task Force or FATF's sword continues to hang on Pakistan. The country has been on the financial watchdog's grey list since June 2018, impacting its economy. In the February meeting, the body decided to keep Pakistan on the grey list and gave more time to implement its 27-point action plan. It called on Pakistan to address deficiencies, including "demonstrating effective implementation of targeted financial sanctions against all 1267 and 1373 designated terrorists, specifically those acting for or on their behalf."

UK classifies Pakistan as 'high risk' state over money laundering, terror financing 

The UK government has added Pakistan to the list of undesirable 21 high-risk countries with unsatisfactory money laundering and terrorist financing controls.

UK adds Pakistan to its list of 21 high-risk countries

The British government has opened an official independently-run investigation into former prime minister David Cameron's lobbying activities for financier Lex Greensill, The Sun newspaper reported.&nbsp;

While Cameron was British prime minister from 2010 to 2016, the Australian banker was brought in as an adviser to the government. After leaving office, Cameron in turn became an adviser to Greensill's now-insolvent finance firm.&nbsp;

The Financial Times and Sunday Times newspapers have reported that Cameron contacted ministers directly to lobby on behalf of Greensill Capital, including sending texts to finance minister Rishi Sunak and arranging a private drink between Greensill and Health Secretary Matt Hancock.&nbsp;

In his first comments on the row on Sunday, Cameron said that in his representations to government, he was breaking no codes of conduct and no government rules.&nbsp;

Ultimately, the outcome of the discussions on Greensill’s proposals regarding a loan were not taken up, he said, and therefore, his interventions did not lead to a change in the government's approach.&nbsp;

"However, I have reflected on this at length," he said, in a statement to the Press Association news agency.&nbsp;

"There are important lessons to be learnt. As a former Prime Minister, I accept that communications with government need to be done through only the most formal of channels, so there can be no room for misinterpretation."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The British government has opened an official independently-run investigation into former prime minister David Cameron's lobbying activities for financier Lex Greensill, The Sun newspaper reported.

The British government has opened an official independently-run investigation into former prime minister David Cameron's lobbying activities for financier Lex Greensill, The Sun newspaper reported. While Cameron was British prime minister from 2010 to 2016, the Australian banker was brought in as an adviser to the government. After leaving office, Cameron in turn became an adviser to Greensill's now-insolvent finance firm. The Financial Times and Sunday Times newspapers have reported that Cameron contacted ministers directly to lobby on behalf of Greensill Capital, including sending texts to finance minister Rishi Sunak and arranging a private drink between Greensill and Health Secretary Matt Hancock. In his first comments on the row on Sunday, Cameron said that in his representations to government, he was breaking no codes of conduct and no government rules. Ultimately, the outcome of the discussions on Greensill’s proposals regarding a loan were not taken up, he said, and therefore, his interventions did not lead to a change in the government's approach. "However, I have reflected on this at length," he said, in a statement to the Press Association news agency. "There are important lessons to be learnt. As a former Prime Minister, I accept that communications with government need to be done through only the most formal of channels, so there can be no room for misinterpretation." (With inputs from agencies)

UK opens official investigation into ex-PM Cameron's lobbying: Report

Schools have reopened and non-essential retail is expected to re-open from 12 April. Hospitality is to follow from 17 May, with remaining restrictions removed from 21 June.

UK's Economy to expand 5% in 2021, 5.5% in 2022

Britain said late Monday it had hit a target to offer a coronavirus vaccine first dose to all over-50s by mid-April, as England's lockdown-weary population toasted a significant easing of restrictions with pints and much-needed haircuts. 
 
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the UK had passed "another hugely significant milestone" after confirming a jab had been offered to all over-50s, the clinically vulnerable and health and social care workers, ahead of a self-imposed April 15 deadline.&nbsp; 
 
"That means more than 32 million people have been given the precious protection vaccines provide against Covid 19," he said in a statement, adding efforts would now focus on delivering second doses and offering all adults an initial shot by August. 
 
The British leader had earlier hailed the latest lifting of rules as "a major step forward in our roadmap to freedom", after pubs were allowed to reopen to serve drinkers outside and non-essential retailers and hairdressers restarted.&nbsp; 
 
Some pubs, many shuttered for large chunks of the last year, wasted no time and opened on the stroke of midnight, while others opened just in time for breakfast. 
 
"I work the night shifts in the hospital," said Richard Newman, a 32-year-old doctor at the Royal London Hospital, as he waited with friends outside the Half Moon pub in east London at nine am (0700 GMT). 
 
"Hopefully, it's the end of lockdown but who knows? What does it represent? Hopefully a nice summer. It should be fun, bringing back a bit of life to London." 
 
Bundled up in coats and hats, customers sat chatting and laughing at outside tables, ordering beers, wine and full English breakfasts of eggs, bacon and sausages. 
 
"For the past few months we've never been able to go out together, celebrate and get through it," said 28-year-old Laura Bennett.&nbsp; 
 
"I'm having a lot of fun."

Zoos, gyms and swimmers 
On London's Oxford Street, some shoppers braved the chilly temperatures to start queueing at 5.30 a.m., two hours before the first non-essential shops such as fast-fashion chain Primark opened. 
 
Hairdressers were also able to open for business, with demand for much-needed trims high more than three months after the latest stay-at-home order began.&nbsp; 
 
In east London, Adam Yours waited outside Jimmy Slicks barber's, desperate to lose his long hair. 
 
"The first thing on the list is to get a haircut so you can go to the pub and look respectable," said the 22-year-old. 
 
Johnson had his unruly mop of blond hair cut, his spokesman told reporters. 
 
As sports and leisure facilities reopened in England, people plunged into pools and lifted weights. 
 
Families flocked to see lions and elephants at Chester Zoo in northwest England and thrill-seekers took rides at Thorpe Park theme park southwest of London. 
 
Self-catering domestic holidays are also allowed and bookings have soared. 
 
Mosques are meanwhile preparing for the start of Ramadan this week, a year after the Muslim holy month was observed without traditional community gatherings.

Watchword: caution 
The UK nations all have different strategies for leaving lockdown, and Monday's pub reopenings applied only to England, while non-essential shops also reopened in Wales.&nbsp; 
 
Government ministers, scientists and health officials are warning against complacency, despite the successful vaccine drive which is seen as the main way to prevent more serious cases of Covid-19 that require hospital treatment. 
 
In London, authorities are boosting testing in the southern districts of Wandsworth and Lambeth after at least 44 confirmed cases of the highly transmissible South African Covid variant were detected. 
 
Although Britain recorded just 3,568 new infections Monday, it has seen more than 4.3 million cases since the pandemic began and over 127,000 deaths -- one of the worst tolls in the world. 
 
Its economy has also been devastated by a year of repeated enforced closures and restrictions, prompting consideration of new measures to ensure businesses stay open in the future. 
 
One possibility is so-called "vaccine passports" but that has triggered debate about whether they would be effective or enforced -- and implications for civil liberties. 
 
There is also increasing pressure for a decision on resuming non-essential international travel, with many eager to book foreign holidays. 
 
Johnson has said the reopening plan will be driven by data, not dates, but has set the next anticipated easing for May 17. 
 
Almost all remaining social restrictions are scheduled to be lifted on June 21.

Britain said late Monday it had hit a target to offer a coronavirus vaccine first dose to all over-50s by mid-April, as England's lockdown-weary population toasted a significant easing of restrictions with pints and much-needed haircuts.

Britain said late Monday it had hit a target to offer a coronavirus vaccine first dose to all over-50s by mid-April, as England's lockdown-weary population toasted a significant easing of restrictions with pints and much-needed haircuts. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the UK had passed "another hugely significant milestone" after confirming a jab had been offered to all over-50s, the clinically vulnerable and health and social care workers, ahead of a self-imposed April 15 deadline. "That means more than 32 million people have been given the precious protection vaccines provide against Covid 19," he said in a statement, adding efforts would now focus on delivering second doses and offering all adults an initial shot by August. The British leader had earlier hailed the latest lifting of rules as "a major step forward in our roadmap to freedom", after pubs were allowed to reopen to serve drinkers outside and non-essential retailers and hairdressers restarted. Some pubs, many shuttered for large chunks of the last year, wasted no time and opened on the stroke of midnight, while others opened just in time for breakfast. "I work the night shifts in the hospital," said Richard Newman, a 32-year-old doctor at the Royal London Hospital, as he waited with friends outside the Half Moon pub in east London at nine am (0700 GMT). "Hopefully, it's the end of lockdown but who knows? What does it represent? Hopefully a nice summer. It should be fun, bringing back a bit of life to London." Bundled up in coats and hats, customers sat chatting and laughing at outside tables, ordering beers, wine and full English breakfasts of eggs, bacon and sausages. "For the past few months we've never been able to go out together, celebrate and get through it," said 28-year-old Laura Bennett. "I'm having a lot of fun." Zoos, gyms and swimmers On London's Oxford Street, some shoppers braved the chilly temperatures to start queueing at 5.30 a.m., two hours before the first non-essential shops such as fast-fashion chain Primark opened. Hairdressers were also able to open for business, with demand for much-needed trims high more than three months after the latest stay-at-home order began. In east London, Adam Yours waited outside Jimmy Slicks barber's, desperate to lose his long hair. "The first thing on the list is to get a haircut so you can go to the pub and look respectable," said the 22-year-old. Johnson had his unruly mop of blond hair cut, his spokesman told reporters. As sports and leisure facilities reopened in England, people plunged into pools and lifted weights. Families flocked to see lions and elephants at Chester Zoo in northwest England and thrill-seekers took rides at Thorpe Park theme park southwest of London. Self-catering domestic holidays are also allowed and bookings have soared. Mosques are meanwhile preparing for the start of Ramadan this week, a year after the Muslim holy month was observed without traditional community gatherings. Watchword: caution The UK nations all have different strategies for leaving lockdown, and Monday's pub reopenings applied only to England, while non-essential shops also reopened in Wales. Government ministers, scientists and health officials are warning against complacency, despite the successful vaccine drive which is seen as the main way to prevent more serious cases of Covid-19 that require hospital treatment. In London, authorities are boosting testing in the southern districts of Wandsworth and Lambeth after at least 44 confirmed cases of the highly transmissible South African Covid variant were detected. Although Britain recorded just 3,568 new infections Monday, it has seen more than 4.3 million cases since the pandemic began and over 127,000 deaths -- one of the worst tolls in the world. Its economy has also been devastated by a year of repeated enforced closures and restrictions, prompting consideration of new measures to ensure businesses stay open in the future. One possibility is so-called "vaccine passports" but that has triggered debate about whether they would be effective or enforced -- and implications for civil liberties. There is also increasing pressure for a decision on resuming non-essential international travel, with many eager to book foreign holidays. Johnson has said the reopening plan will be driven by data, not dates, but has set the next anticipated easing for May 17. Almost all remaining social restrictions are scheduled to be lifted on June 21.

UK achieves key vaccination target as pubs, shops and salons reopen

Millions of people in England will get their first chance in months for haircuts, casual shopping and restaurant meals, as the government takes the next step on its lockdown-lifting road map.

Coronavirus restrictions ease in England after months of lockdown

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